Apple and Google are updating their smart home streaming devices to Thread 1.4. As seen for the first time substance alpha And 9to5 googleThe latest specification has arrived on compatible Apple TVs via a software update to tvOS 27 developer beta and Google TV streamers.
Thread is one of the connectivity protocols on which the interoperability standard Matters runs. The original plan was for threaded border routers to work seamlessly behind the scenes, but that didn’t happen.
In 2024, the Thread 1.4 spec introduced a standardized way for border routers to share credentials. Two years later, with 1.4 on board, it should provide a more simple way for streamers, creators, and ecosystems to share credentials so they can join your existing Threads network. Think of it like sharing Wi-Fi passwords.
However, it looks like I’ll still have to wait for a unified thread network. While the Google TV streamer now offers the option to generate a QR code to connect to the Thread network, it doesn’t work for me. And although the DNS discovery tools show that my Apple TV is on Thread 1.4, there is no option yet to share credentials in the current iOS and tvOS 27 dev betas. It’s worth noting that 1.4 appeared in tvOS 26 beta, but was removed before the final release.
Since there’s still no dev beta for HomePod software 27, smart speakers aren’t joining the party yet, and Google’s Nest Hub still hasn’t received the 1.4 update. My guess is that the Google Home speaker will arrive with Thread 1.4 later this month.
The fact that Apple TV and Google TV streamers have Thread 1.4 is a huge step in the right direction. To be fair, Apple and Google have already handled this credential-sharing issue better than any other ecosystem — but unity here is only a good thing. And, given that Samsung added support for credential sharing on its SmartThings Hub last October, and Ikea’s Dirigera Hub is on Thread 1.4, we’re now waiting for Amazon to get on board and update its smart speakers to the latest specification. The company has said that this will happen this year.
Once Amazon updates, all major ecosystems will be on the same version of Thread, which could bring significant improvements to Matter/Thread smart homes.
I, for one thing, can’t wait to see my nine separate thread networks integrated into one giant, meshy goodness.
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